Recently, a new shop has opened downtown: Coffee by Topo. The store opened in early March of this year, but it has been in business since 2021, before moving into their new and official location. Katy Blanton, the owner of Coffee by Topo, explained that the business was started to sell coffee at the Farmer’s Market over the summer. “Initially it started super small . . . it’s really just filling a hole in the market,” said Blanton.
The company started as a mobile business that served the Farmer’s Market and other events, but has grown into one of the most loved coffee shops in town. However, their growth has not come without challenges.
“We faced a lot of challenges throughout the years, mostly just kind of working with what we had equipment-wise, and running a mobile business,” explained Blanton.
Blanton said that the hardest part of running a small mobile business was navigating all of the variables. Aspects such as the weather and turnout for events were a significant challenge that had to be overcome. As the business expanded and gained more customers, they outgrew their space available.
“We had outgrown our commercial kitchen space . . . and there wasn’t a ton available but this popped up,” said Blanton.
There were lots of challenges to overcome, but one of the biggest challenge was the financial difficulties that come with buying a new location. The business has avoided taking loans and outside investment, and faces these financial challenges by reinvesting their earnings back into the business. Blanton said that reinvesting in the business allows them to grow at a great pace.
While there are challenges to be faced, there are upsides. Blanton explained that the best part of running a business in an official location is the community involvement.
She said, “Where we would see, like, the same locals and regulars once a week, we get to see them, y’know two, three, four times a week now.” Another upside to having a consistent location, other than the community involvement, is having a space to host events.
Recently, the business also put on a giveaway to spread the word about their opening. Some of the prizes included one year of free Topo chai, Topo merch and gift cards to the shop.
“I wanted to both spread the word about us and offer something for our diehard local fans,” said Blanton. She mentioned that the winner of the grand prize, free Topo chai for one year, now comes in daily for her free chai.
Blanton also explained that her chai recipe was inspired by traditional Eastern chai recipes, and she changed different factors in the recipe until she had a beverage that people enjoyed. While the business still sells their famous chai, the number of items on Topo’s menu has expanded. They now sell a variety of lunch and breakfast foods including yogurt and salads, smoothies, and pastries.
Topo is a wonderful business, and many locals love the new storefront because of its welcoming staff, cozy space and delicious goods. We hope the best for Topo’s growth as a new business in the Salida community.
